. >> i think america was looking for ways to demonstrate their grief, caring, empathy. >> reporter: to the other side of the world. >> i thought, if this makes someone smile, that's a pretty good thing. >> reporter: as more and more people shared their good deeds online, they inspired others. teachers inspired their students. in rhode island, they are collecting food and books for underprivilege. >> they by far exceeded anything i could have expected. >> reporter: after giving hand warmers to her bus driver, stephanie challenged her co-workers to do something, too. now, the drivers at chicago's w hotel is sharing each of their acts of kindness on the company's facebook page. >> we have so many employees and so many people can do good things and hopefully people will pick up and pass it on. >> reporter: adding to an unexpected surge of good will. there's no telling how far it can gil can go. >>> jessica simpson addressing pregnancy rumors. >>> and super sized movie, why are these movies so long? straight ahead. msnbc. >>> welcome back to "first look." christmas should be a day of joy an